UK grocery inflation edges higher again: Kantar

BRITISH shoppers faced increased pressure on their budgets last month after grocery price inflation edged higher again, industry data showed on Tuesday (Nov 12).

Market researcher Kantar said annual grocery price inflation was 2.3 per cent in the four weeks to Nov 3, having been 2 per cent in the previous four-week period.

The data showed prices are rising fastest in products such as chilled soft drinks and chocolate confectionery, and falling fastest in items such as toothbrushes, household paper products and sparkling wine.

Official data published last month showed overall UK inflation eased to 1.7 per cent in September. Data for October will be published Nov 20.

UK supermarkets have warned that tax rises in last month’s UK government budget will be inflationary.

Kantar said grocery sales rose 2 per cent over the four week period year on year to £11.6 billion (S$19.9 billion) – the biggest sales month of the year so far. REUTERS